Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

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Actions for Addressing Fire Damage 

There are no shortages of what might cause a fire in your home. We have seen the impact of a forgotten candle and the destruction of a grease fire in the kitchen. No matter how a fire occurs, homeowners must react fast to secure experienced and knowledgeable professionals to help with cleaning and recovery. 

Cleaning Before SERVPRO Arrives

DIY cleaning is often a homeowner’s consideration after a fire. In truth, there are limitations to what makes this possible. Property owners must understand:

  • How limited traditional cleaning is for fires
  • The risks and threats of contaminated air
  • Concerns about improperly cleaning soot
  • The likelihood of structures becoming weakened

What Can a Homeowner Do to Help?

The first thing that homeowners should do is focus on the safest exit strategy for occupants in the house. If you have time, you can begin to list and document the affected contents and belongings in your home that should be a priority of the restoration process. We will meet with you and accommodate these suggestions when possible.

It can be challenging to leave your home when it is the most damaged and ruined. There is little that uncertified and unlicensed individuals can do to improve conditions in their homes without compromising their well-being or safety. Our nearby warehouse allows us to reach damaged properties quickly in a crisis to start mitigation and restoration, removing the need for DIY cleaning.

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (718) 765-5572

What To Do After A Fire

  • Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
  • Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
  • Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
  • If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
  • Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
  • Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
  • Change HVAC filter.
  • Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After A Fire

  • Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting us.
  • Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
  • Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
  • Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
  • Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

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